Dry Eye with OPSM Silverdale

Dry eye syndrome is a common cause of eye irritation that results from instability of tear film or insufficient production of tears.

Symptoms may include red, irritated eyes or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Often people suffering from dry eyes will feel a gritty, sandy sensation in their eyes and, ironically, eyes may even water with excessive tear production as a reflex response to the dryness and irritation.

There are multiple factors that can contribute to dry eye syndrome; such as age, diseases, medications, and use of digital devices.

Tear production gradually decreases with age and around 3 out of 4 people aged over 65 suffer from dry eye syndrome. Women in particular suffer from dry eye syndrome more than men; as hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, lactation, menstruation and menopause can result in decreased tear production.

Eye conditions such as ‘Meibomian gland dysfunction’ and ‘Blepharitis’ can result in dry eye symptoms due to inflammation of the eyelid glands where these conditions compromise the quality of the tear film causing tears to evaporate more quickly. These problems can be improved with eyelid hygiene, warm compresses and sometimes with antibiotics. Systemic diseases that may also be associated with dry eyes include diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

There are several medications that can lead to dry eye symptoms; such as blood pressure medications, oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, decongestants and antihistamines. Misuse of drops that are commonly used to treat red eyes (e.g. Clear Eyes, Naphcon, Visine) can cause the dry eye symptoms if they are used for prolonged time.

We are now living in a digital age where our eyes are constantly exposed to digital devices; including smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, desktops and TV. We can blink up to 66% less on average when using these devices. When we are resting, the average blink rate per minute is around 15 times, whereas with sustained visual task this drops to 5 times per minute. This leads to increased evaporation of tear film, along with visual fatigue staring at the screen.

It is important to have the above contributing factors ruled out or controlled to keep the good health of the cornea. The first line of treatment for dry eye syndrome is by using the artificial tears, but in cases of persistent dry eye symptoms, temporary or permanent closure of tear drainage may provide the best result. If you have been experiencing dry eye symptoms, do not hesitate to call us for an appointment.

James Park B Optom TPA Endorsement Online bookings are available at www.opsm.co.nz

OPSM SILVERDALE OFFERS FREE EYE TESTS TO ALL SOUTHERN CROSS HEALTH

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Southern Cross Health Society members can also save 15%* on a wide range of quality prescription glasses, non-prescription and prescription sunglasses.

OPSM Silverdale

Silverdale Centre Shop 11B 61 Silverdale St Silverdale, AUK 0932 Tel: (09) 426 7902

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10 millwaterbook of the month

A French Wedding by Hannah Tunnicliffe

This month, author and guest reviewer Karen McMillan introduces another great read ‘A French Wedding’ by Hannah Tunnicliffe

This is an irresistible novel, with wonderful characters to care for, mostly set in a tiny French coastal village. It has an ensemble cast of six old friends, plus various add-ons in the form of children, sisters and partners, meeting up to celebrate Max’s 40th birthday. A successful musician, he is at the height of his career, but he is tiring of the lonely lifestyle of touring. He wants to confess his love for his best friend Helen over the weekend, but will she feel like he does?

Meanwhile, Juliette, Max’s housekeeper, is there to make sure all goes well for the celebrations, and her character infuses the novel with the smells and tastes of fabulous food that will leave your mouth watering. She has her own story of love and loss that makes her one of the central characters. An outsider to the old friends, she is quickly drawn into their group. Of the old friends, one couple is happily together, but facing a new crisis. Another couple were together years ago but are now with other people – one long-married in a relationship that isn’t working, the other in a new relationship with someone much younger. There are long buried undercurrents that come to the surface over the weekend, with many of the characters at a crossroads in their lives. The weekend will prove to be the start of a new beginning for many of them.

A French Wedding is a novel of love, life, food, family and old friendships that is a delight to read. As for the title? The book opens with an anonymous couple getting married – but it is only at the end of the book you discover who, out of all the possible candidates, is tying the knot, which provides an intriguing whodunnit element to the novel. I would highly recommend this beautifully written work of fiction, and I look forward to more stories from this talented novelist.

Karen McMillan, author of The Paris of the West, www.karenm.co.nz